Recent transfer and former Notre Dame Fighting Irish starting QB, Everett Golson, looks to keep the Florida State Seminoles atop the conference and back into the College Football Playoffs. While his tenure in Notre Dame was marred with criticism, he has shown flashes of brilliance and led the Fighting Irish to the national championship game in 2012.

Both Clemson and Georgia Tech should challenge Florida State for the conference. Quarterbacks Deshaun Watson (Clemson) and Justin Thomas (Georgia Tech), each ranked in the top-20 Heisman hopefuls of 2015, look to lead their respective programs to the conference title, a title which Florida State has claimed over the previous three seasons.

Even after Florida State had 11 players selected in the 2015 NFL draft, the roster remains strong, deep and competitive. The program has recruited well over the past few seasons and will be able to shore-up holes along the offensive line (the area of most concern).

A Sleeper Team That Could Surprise: North Carolina State

With a veteran quarterback and deep backfield, combined with the return of all five starting defensive backs from 2014 returning, North Carolina State brings an underrated and highly competitive team to the gridiron in 2015. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett athleticism and lack of turnovers helped him compensate for his lackluster deep ball in 2014. With an entire offseason to work and improve his mid and deep range passes, Brissett should produce at an even higher level in 2015. The mobility of Brissett combined with the power running of Shadrach Thornton, led NC State to averaged over 200 yards rushing per game. With an excellent recruitment class of running backs, the backfield is deep and will remain fresh all season long.

The return of the entire starting secondary, which ranked 31st in college football in 2014, will continue to be the strong point of the defense in 2015. As another year of chemistry and experience, the group will challenge for a top-25 ranking (in passing yards allowed). The rushing defense leaves a lot to be desired and remains the weak point of the team.